The Morning View from West End: February 9, 2018

February 9, 2018

Markets remain in flux this morning, as futures have moved between losses and gains following yesterday when the S&P 500 fell 3.75%. While it is likely there will be additional market moves in the days ahead as traders cover their positions, it is important to remember the economy remains on stable ground. With a decent labor market, low unemployment, strong corporate balance sheets, and tax cuts coming, the economy appears in good shape. Furthermore, wage increases announced in last week’s job report have been absent to this point in the cycle and should give consumers more money to spend. While that could lead to higher inflation, it should also give stability to consumer spending, which is close to 70% of the economy. Once the smoke clears from the current markets, it could lead to better days ahead for those with a long‐term view.